John Loyd

John A. Loyd 74, of Salem, IA, died Wednesday, February 19, 2014, from injuries sustained in a residential fire. His wife, Barbara died simultaneously in the tragedy. Mr. Loyd's body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 28th at 10:30 a.m. at the Faith Christian Outreach Church with Pastor Monte Knudsen officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Salem East Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to family. The Olson-Powell Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements. Born April 29, 1939, in Oelwein, IA, John Allen was the son of Arthur and LaVon (O'Dell) Loyd. He attended country school near Lima, IA. Mr. Loyd served in the United States Army and was stationed in Anchorage, AK. On December 14, 1964, he was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Kilpatrick in Joy, IL. John was employed over the years at various places. He worked at the Big Creek Ranch for many years. Later he was a security guard at Heatilator (now Hearth and Home Technologies) and Firestone Tire in Burlington during the same period of time. John was engaged for many years as a semi-truck driver. He hauled logs for Batey Ltd. in Mt. Pleasant and drove for Fox Diamond Transport in Davenport. His last employment was driving a truck for Ideal Concrete, from which he retired in 2006. John loved the outdoors and going fishing. One could often find him building something, tinkering with lawn mowers or his tractor, working in his beloved garden or helping a friend in need. He was a family man and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and taking in Westerns on television. He was also a member of the Salem American Legion. Survivors include a son, Joe Loyd of Salem, IA; a daughter, Tina (Mark) Nordyke of Mt. Pleasant, IA; two grandchildren, Mahlana Loyd and Levi Forbess; two step-grandchildren, Nieca Nordyke and Levi Nordyke. Also surviving are two sisters, Annabelle (Bob) Pagel of Decorah, IA and Helen (Wayne) Bentley of Fayette, IA; a brother, Tom (Mary) Loyd of Hawkeye, IA; and two sisters-in-law, Sandy Loyd of Elgin, IA and Geneva (Lloyd) Stewart of West Burlington, IA. John was preceded in death by his parents; a son, John A. Loyd, Jr.; and by three brothers, Louis, Harold and Robert.